Community Engaged Learning

1. How has your goal of being an ally for the Deaf community been enhanced by what you learned in Social Entrepreneurship & Corporate Social Responsibility?

Learning about Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility gave me a better understanding of how businesses and organizations can impact the communities they serve, whether it’s in a positive or negative way. For this concept cue, I focused on Streetcar 82 Brewing Co., a Deaf-owned brewery in Hyattsville, Maryland. It’s more than a business, it’s a Deaf-centered space where ASL is the primary language and both staff and customers are part of a shared culture. Streetcare 82 helped me connect Corporate Social Responsibility to real-world accessibility and community empowerment. I see now that businesses can do more than just offer products, they can solve problems and be inclusive. Being more aware of Deaf-owned businesses or companies that give back to the community makes me a better ally because I can actively support and uplift them. It’s not just about language, it’s about investing in Deaf leadership, visibility, and inclusivity.

2. What is your role in addressing social change for the Deaf community as it relates to Philanthropy?

When I worked on my concept cue about philanthropy, I focused on my volunteer work with the Utah Independent Living Center (UILC), which supports Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and people with disabilities in living independently. At the time, I was helping with their Deaf/HoH painting class, which promotes creativity and connection in an all-ASL environment. That experience really shaped how I now understand philanthropy. I used to think it was mostly about money or formal donations, but I’ve learned that giving time, energy, and presence can be just as impactful. My role in social change is to keep showing up, to volunteer, to listen, and to support Deaf-led efforts in whatever way I can. Sometimes the most meaningful contributions are the quiet, consistent ones that help build trust and community over time.

3. Describe a few meaningful experiences or people you encountered during your service. What impact did they have on you, and why? What kind of impression do you hope you left on others, and why?

Volunteering with Sego Lily at Salt Lake City Pride and volunteering at the Utah Independent Living Center (UILC) were two especially meaningful experiences this semester. At both events, I felt so welcomed and included, it really solidified a sense of belonging and connection within the Deaf community. I’ve even made a few long-term friendships through these experiences, which I never expected going in. It showed me how powerful community can be.

I also had the opportunity to help with the Parent Infant Program a few times. Going into it, I wasn’t sure if working with young children was for me, but this experience helped me see things from a different perspective. I found myself really enjoying the interactions and starting to see how I might actually want to work with kids in the future. It was eye-opening and challenged a few assumptions I held about my own career path.

I hope the impression I left on others is that I’m present, open, and genuinely invested. Not just for credit or coursework, but because I care about the community and want to grow alongside it.